Page 189 of Labor of Love

Fuck.

So much for keeping any secrets. I walk over to my home office and lead Asa inside. Opening the drawer, I find what I’m looking for and hand him the folded piece of paper. Neither of us misses the way my fingers tremble. I’ve come to terms with the results, but there’s something too exposing about sharing this information with someone else, even if that someone is my brother.

“What is this?” Asa asks, not even bothering to read it.

“The test results from my last physical.” A stupid piece of paper that says I have a shifter condition similar to oligospermia, and I’m running out of sperm. And in my case, the chances of having a baby are low.

Asa scans the document quickly before he shakes his head. “This doesn’t make any sense. We’re dragons. Our reproductive genes are strong and last over a century.”

I shrug. “I guess my body didn’t get the memo. Not only am I running out of swimmers, but they’re also weak.”

We chat for a while longer while Asa tries cheering me up by reminding me there are other options like adoption, surrogacy, and foster care, other things to consider—stuff I already know and understand. But if I’m honest, the idea that appeals to me the most is adoption. There’s something about the idea of giving another child a home. It’s just a matter of finding an omega who would be willing to adopt.

After my brother leaves, I go about my day, overworking myself until it’s late. My mental energy is depleted, and my dragon is sleepy. The quicker we fall asleep, the sooner we’ll wake up to our potential future.

My eyes scan the empty room, drifting to the large bed. What would it be like to have a mate to come home to after a long day at work? Or to curl up in bed with as we talk about each other’s days? To call mine as we build a life together?

While arranged marriages aren’t typical, I’m actually looking forward to it. It’s unlike a blind date. The selected omegas for this trial run will have the chance to socialize with my friends and me. Although we offer assistance, the final decision rests with the omega.

For some reason, my mind wanders momentarily to Kestrel, the omega who owns my favorite bookstore. It’s been a couple of months since I’ve seen him. Embarrassment floods over me. For weeks, I went to that shop hoping to see that gorgeous man. My crush on the little omega had started getting out of control, only to get squashed when I heard someone mention Kestrel’s husband. Leave it to me to harbor feelings for someone who’s married.

Realizing Kestrel was taken, I avoided further visits to the bookstore. It’s probably for the best. I just truly hope my future husband is as sweet and kind as Kestrel.

I purse my lips. A deep sigh escapes my nostrils, causing them to flare. I’m lucky I’m not puffing fire with all my frustration. Why the hell am I daydreaming about my future? My soon-to-be husband is probably just trying to survive here in Arkadia. This isn’t a love match. I’m just a means to an end. I signed up to be some unknown omega’s knight in shining armor.

Damn, maybe Asa was right. Maybe Idohave a hero complex. But if that’s the case, why does it feel like this faceless omega is the one who might be doing the saving?

4

KESTREL

“Are you ready for this?” James strides forward, taking my suitcase and bags out of my hands. “I got it.”

Letting out a deep breath, I nod and follow him to the sleek black car parked in front of my small apartment. “I’m ready.”

It’s a beautiful, hopeful day, filled with promise, the sun high above, fluffy clouds drifting across the brilliant blue sky, and a gentle ocean breeze tousling my hair.

“Don’t worry about your other possessions. Once you’re settled in your new home, we can come back for the rest.”

I shake my head. “That’s pretty much everything. I won’t need the old furniture in there, though. It’s pretty ratty, but maybe I can donate to someone who needs it more?”

“That’s a great idea.”

As we drive deeper into town, I feel a growing unease in my stomach. “You said these alphas are wealthy, right?”

James arches a brow at me but doesn’t reply.

“Sorry, it’s just, how rich are we talking? Because this might not be such a good idea, after all.”

My suspicions are confirmed when we turn left, down Ocean Side. The homes in this neighborhood are among the most affluent. As we proceed down a long, curving driveway lined withgorgeous trees and a manicured lawn, it makes our arrival feel like entering another world.

James chuckles. “Is there any reason you don’t want your new baby daddy to be rich?”

Gasping, I peer over at James, then realize it’s just a figure of speech. But when his subtle glance drops to my stomach, I’m left wondering if he knows. Damn. I’m starting to rethink this whole finding a new husband thing. What if they think I’m trying to trap them? Could they sue me? It’s not like I don’t plan on confessing before we get married. I just want a shot at giving my baby a good home, and if my bookstore is going to be taken from me, then I’m not left with many options. It’s not like there are many well-paying jobs for omegas here in Arkadia.

“I don’t know, James. I just got out of one toxic relationship. I don’t want to enter a new one.”

“I promise you don’t have to worry about any of the alphas you’re about to meet.” James pulls over to the side of the driveway. “I’ll tell you what,” he says as he parks. “Let me give you my personal phone number. If you feel unsafe, you can call me anytime. If I don’t hear from you within two days, I’ll make a trip out here to check in on you. I can do it as often as needed.”

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